MediaMax, Armenia
Aug 22 2020
Many people in Yerevan and other cities of Armenia already know this Japanese monk with a distinguishing appearance. Buddhist monk Kanshin Ikeda has traveled the world for years to chant the voice of peace.
He has told Mediamax about his vow, travels, and the days spent in Armenia.
The decision to become a monk
Kanshin Ikeda travels to different cities of Armenia, mainly on foot. He always has a drum-like musical instrument with him, which he strikes and chants the mantra for the sake of world peace.
Kanshin Ikeda
Photo: Mediamax
Passers-by, who already know him, greet him in Armenian and try to talk to him. Ikeda does not understand what they are saying but always replied “Thank you” several times in response to everyone. It will be difficult to count how many times a day he utters that word. He has even learned the word for “thank you” in Armenian- “shnorhakalutyun”, which Armenians themselves often consider too long to pronounce.
Ikeda was born and raised in Japan. He says that although there were no monks in his family, his mother and grandmother visited a Buddhist temple quite often.
“When I was 10 years old, my grandmother brought me to Buddhist temple for the first time and I felt a deep connection with Buddhism. After graduating, while working in the one company, I bought a book about Buddhism and started learning it by myself. 2 years later, at the age of 28, during one of my visits to the monastery, I made a clear decision to become a monk,” Ikeda has told Mediamax.
The journey with the sounds of peace
After years of spiritual practices in Tokyo, in 2017 Ikeda decided to travel abroad to raise his peace prayers around the world.
He has been to the United States, the United Kingdom, Austria, Italy, and a number of African countries. Sometimes he walked with other practitioners, sometimes alone. He has participated in various rituals over the years, as well as in the construction of Peace Pagodas in different countries.
In 2019, he went to India where he joined the campaign “Jai Jagat”, the one-year peace march from India to Switzerland, and traveled to Armenia afterwards.
Many of the pilgrims have returned to their home countries because of the coronavirus, while Ikeda and a few friends continue their mission.
Overnight in the open air
Living in Armenia since March, Ikeda has visited Gyumri, Spitak, Ijevan, Sevan, and a number of other cities. He usually walks, but sometimes, kind people drive him to his destination.
“I met a kind woman in Noravank Monastery, who wrote for me the following in Armenian on a piece of paper: “Can I stay at your house for one night?” I show this paper to the locals, and often people are very kind to me: they invite me in, let me take a shower, spend the night in their house,” tells the monk.
Ikeda says he often sleeps in caves or just in the open air using his sleeping bag. Sometimes he finds abandoned houses on the way that become a shelter for him.
“Armenians are very hospitable and very kind to me. Sometimes my bag becomes too heavy because of food donations. People always serve vegetables, lavash, other foods, and often donate money. I really appreciate this attitude towards me and I am deeply grateful for that,” he says.
“Mantra is like medicine”
The musical instrument that always accompanies the monk was made in Japan. Later, he wrote on its surface the mantra “Na Mu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo”, which is a pledge to never yield to difficulties and to win over his suffering. It is also a vow to help others discover this principle in their own lives and achieve happiness.
“It is impossible to explain the essence of the mantra because it is completely spiritual. It’s like medicine. You believe the doctor, you take the medicine he prescribes and you recover. The same is in the case of the mantra, the mantra uttered with deep belief heals and eliminates suffering,” says Ikeda.
War-free civilization
The Japanese monk says that although he personally did not face war, he is well-acquainted with history and knows about the sufferings caused by wars. He is also aware of the Armenian Genocide and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. This is one of the reasons he regards prayers for peace in Armenia as an important aspect.
“The earthquake in Japan in 2011 damaged the Fukushima nuclear power plant, which caused great damage to people and nature. Having witnessed this tragedy, at the end of July I wanted to visit Metsamor, where there is a nuclear power plant. On my way, a policeman stopped me and took me to a police station, where I was interrogated for a long time. When I left the police station, it was already late and I had no idea where I was going to pass the night. But one policewoman was so kind, she gave me food and donation, also introduced me to one social worker lady who gave me shelter and food. I highly appreciate their kindness,” recalls Ikeda, adding he still finished his prayer for the Metsamor nuclear power plant, but from the distance of 2 km.
The monk also considers it important to spread the message of his spiritual teacher Nichidatu Fujii message to people, which is as follows: “Civilization does not mean to have electric light or airplanes or nuclear bombs. Civilization means not killing people, not destroying things, not making war. Civilization means to hold mutual affection and to respect each other.”
“Peace will come if…”
“We are all the same human beings, no matter what country we are from, what beliefs we have, we are brothers and we should have deep respect for each other. If we love and respect each other, sincerely pray and believe, peace will come. I believe in that,” Ikeda assures.
As soon as the borders open, the Japanese monk will leave Armenia to continue his mission in other countries. He has to return to Japan in November to attend two major Buddhist ceremonies.
“I want to thank the people of Armenia. I appreciate their kindness and I hope to be in Armenia again in the future,” concludes Kanshin Ikeda.
Gayane Yenokyan (text and photos)